RSS pracharak removed for backing Modi`s detractor Keshubhai?

Sending a strong signal to BJP dissidents in Gujarat, who have opened a joint front against chief minister Narendra Modi, the RSS has relieved three of its `star` Pracharaks, including veteran Bhaskarrao Damle of their charge.

Ahmedabad: Sending a strong signal to BJP dissidents in Gujarat, who have opened a joint front against chief minister Narendra Modi, the RSS has relieved three of its `star` Pracharaks, including veteran Bhaskarrao Damle of their charge.

"Gujarat Regional Working Committee of RSS had taken a decision in its June 23 meeting to relieve Bhaskarrao Damle, Narendra Panchasara and Ramesh Gupta from their responsibilities," Gujarat RSS Prachar Pramukh Pradip Jain said today.

Interestingly, Modi has so far refrained himself from going public against his detractors who attacked him.

Even though axing of Damle, who had openly supported Modi`s bete noire and former chief minister Keshubhai Patel, supports the view that Modi wields a strong clout in RSS, the latter denied that relieving Damle was anything to do with his backing to Patel, and was in fact done as per the RSS convention.

"It is a decision in consonance of the long-standing tradition of the Sangh. Damleji and other two are almost of over 80 years of age and they were not keeping well for quite long time. Looking at their age and health we have arrived at this decision," Jain said.

While Panchasara and Gupta were not supportive of Patel, Damle had openly supported Patel against Modi.

"As everybody will be aware that K Sudershanji also took a decision to relieve himself from the responsibilities of Sar Sanghchalak. So relieving someone from his duties is a routine process," Jain said.